Post-doctoral researcher in fungal ecology

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

A 2-years postdoc position is available in the Soil Microbiology group at the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala.

We are looking for a dedicated researcher to collaborate in a project about grassland fungi in Sweden.

About the position

The project particularly aims to advance knowledge of the diversity, distribution and biology of a diverse group of conspicuous fruitbody-forming fungi – the waxcaps and allied, or the CHEGD fungi – that are indicators of semi-natural grasslands and of global conservation concern. In collaboration with citizen scientists, we will map the diversity of CHEGD fungi across grasslands of different management histories based on both mushroom inventories and DNA-barcodes in soils. We will also attempt to unravel the ecology of CHEGD fungi based on field experiments based on stable isotopes, genomics and potentially transcriptomics approaches. The project thus addresses basic scientific questions about the diversity and biology of CHEGD fungi, while still producing information directly useful for improved management and follow-up of a group of threatened fungi.

As a post-doc in the project, you will be expected to drive independent research, including developing and executing field experiments, laboratory analyses, data analyses and writing scientific papers in collaboration with the project group and external collaborators.

This project offers a unique opportunity to investigate fundamental questions in fungal ecology and advance your research career in a dynamic and international research environm.

Your profile

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in fungal ecology, mycology, microbiology, biology, or a related field. The candidate is expected to have:

• Experience with laboratory or field experiments within microbial ecology, fungal biology or conservation.
• Experience with fungal community, genomic or transcriptomic analyses
• Knowledge of multivariate analyses and statistical modelling
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

We consider it a merit if the candidate has skills in programming languages (e.g. python, R), has experience in fieldwork and has a driving licence.

In the recruitment process we will place great emphasis on the candidate’s interest in fungal ecology and personal qualities, motivation, collaboration ability, accuracy and independence.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that was awarded within the past three years.

About us

The Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, SLU holds a top international position in research. We are dedicated to both fundamental and applied research, focusing on the vital interactions between plants, fungi, and other microorganisms in forest and agricultural systems. Our key research areas include forest and agricultural plant pathology, plant-soil-microorganism interactions, microbial and molecular ecology, comparative genomics, and biological control. We tackle critical issues such as biodiversity loss, ecosystem function decline, and the impact of indigenous and invasive pests and diseases. Our work aims to develop sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, particularly in the face of climate change, to minimize environmental impacts and economic losses.

For more information about the department visit: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/department-of-forest-mycology-and-plant-pathology/

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala,Sweden

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 15 September 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

TheapplicationshouldincludethefollowingdocumentswritteninEnglish:

1) a cover letter describing yourself and your match with this project (max 2 pages)

2) a CV describing your education, publications and relevant work experience

3) copy of certificate of doctoral degree

4) name and contact information for two reference persons familiar with your scienti work

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.